Teens from around the world were selected through various processes. In the Philippines, for example, thousands of hopefuls flocked to 3-on-3 tournaments, where the best moved through a series of elimination rounds. In the end, a panel of scouts was tasked with the job of spotting the most expressive players to score the grand prize.

And here they are. Meet the talented amateurs from Taiwan, China and Philippines who will join coaches Al Horford and Andrea Bargnan to become players on either Bryant’s Team Intense or James’ Team Sudden.

Taiwan

Liu Cheng-Jhong

Team: Intense

Age: 16

Height/Weight: 6’, 165 lbs.

Hometown: New Taipei City

At just 16 years old, Liu Cheng-Jhong is a rookie in every sense of the word — this is his very first year playing organized basketball. But he’s already making a splash, having helped drive his team to the quarter-finals of the Taiwanese National High School Championship. Known as Little Jhong by his teammates (a nickname that stuck from childhood), off the court Liu is a typical teenager who enjoys movies, reading comic books and watching television. Excited about his first trip abroad, Liu is even more stoked to be facing tough opponents from every corner of the world. “I’m training every day with my team,” he says. He also plays in pick-up games whenever he can. But when it comes to his winning strategy, mum’s the word: “That’s my secret!”

Liu Jun-Yu

Team: Sudden

Age: 16

Height/Weight: 5’8”, 137 lbs.

Hometown: New Taipei City

In junior high, Liu Jun-Yu led his team to a sixth-place finish in the national championship. Now, he plays point guard for his high school team and is in the quarter-finals of the Taiwanese National Championship. When he’s not hanging with his friends or catching the latest movie, Liu is training with his teammates and perfecting his fearsome jump shot. Though he’s excited to share the court with the top players in the world, his family may be even more thrilled about the game than he is. “They all love basketball,” he says. “I just want to make them proud!”

China

Guo Jing

Team: Intense

Age: 21

Height/Weight: 6’1”, 174 lbs.

Hometown: Yibin City, Sichuan Province

Guo Jing has something in common with his coach: “I once tried to make 2,000 jump-shots in a single day just like Kobe did.” And it wasn’t a whim; Guo has been training seriously since elementary school. “I just love basketball with all my heart,” he says. But he doesn’t use his hard-earned talent to grab the spotlight. “Ten years of playing basketball has taught me the importance of unity — you can only win when you work well with teammates.” A college student who likes listening to music and playing computer games, Guo’s excited to meet his coach and idol and is ready to bring his focus and determination to the court in Houston. “I’ll try my best to defend and help my teammates score. It’ll be a great learning experience.”

Xiao Qiang

Team: Sudden

Age: 21

Height/Weight: 6’6”, 210 lbs.

Hometown: Shenyang City, Liaoning Province

Known as “Bully” on his college basketball team for being such a major force on the court, Xiao Qiang has been playing ball since the seventh grade. He led his high school team to a championship and even played under Kobe’s guidance in a summer league. When he’s not practicing his ball-handling skills, Xiao is showing off his vocal chords — he’s also a talented singer. But at the game, he plans to keep his mouth shut and his mind sharp: “Having a clear head is key playing a good game.”

Philippines

Genmar Bragais

Team: Sudden

Age: 19

Height/Weight: 5’11”, 152 lbs.

Hometown: Porac, Pampanga

At age 14, Genmar Bragais was a water boy for a local basketball team, when a few players invited him to play. He was hooked and went on to play for his high school where he once scored 64 points in a single game. When he’s not hanging out with his girlfriend, Bragais is practicing his crossover and shooting, in the hopes of impressing coach LeBron James. “I can’t wait to meet him! He’s so strong and fast.”

John Paul Calvo

Team: Intense

Age: 15

Height/Weight: 5’6”, 132 lbs.

Hometown: Lapaz Ladesco Village, Iloilo City

John Paul Calvo’s uncle introduced him to basketball at the age of eight. “He taught me how to shoot and dribble,” he says. From there, Calvo joined his school leagues and trained hard to be a standout on the court. When he’s not playing ball, Calvo is watching it; he follows the Philippine Basketball Association religiously. “I copy their moves and practice them every day.” In Houston, Calvo hopes his shooting skills will help his team win — and impress Kobe. “I can’t wait to learn from him and show him my potential.”